Solar PV campaigners will find out on Friday 13th Jan whether the rates of the renewable energy cash back incentive ‘the feed in tariff’ (FIT) will be changed after the high court announced that the Government’s handling of the case was unlawful.

The proposed changes in the FIT have startled the industry, especially as the planned reduction was set in place two weeks prior to the completion of a consultation on the matter. A number of solar installers including environmentalists ‘Friends of the Earth’ complained to the Government and requested a fair and comprehensive review of the programme.

The solar industry has seen tremendous growth following the launch of the FITs scheme and thousands of householders have invested in renewable energy, signing up for 25 years of tax free income. The Government reported that if demand continues at the current rate, the FIT scheme will be unsustainable and the funding will run out sooner than anticipated.

Solar campaigners are worried that any changes in Government subsidy will have an adverse affect on solar jobs and could bankrupt a number of start up businesses. Many organisation offering free solar panel installations rely on the FITs as their primary source of income.

Solar companies from up and down the UK are now waiting with baited breath to see if Friday the 13th lives up to its fateful reputation.